CurlyTeen Scene is a column especially for curly teens. Julia Rizzo is a teenager living in Central New York. When not writing, she enjoys acting, reading and snow skiing. She has loved writing as long as she can remember, and plans to pursue a career in English. She hopes her column will provide encouragement and inspire girls to love their curly hair.

When I opened my in box this month, I found a really great e-mail from Kellie. She tells us how an influential role model and a supportive mom helped her love her curls and rise to her full potential! She writes:

'Hi! My name is Kellie, I am 15 years old from a little town in Western Tennessee. I too, have very curly hair. When I was younger my friends would even make fun of my hair to my face. My hair never made me insecure, but I either kept it short or I straightened it. None of my friends have curly hair, or even close, so they didn't understand. About four years ago, I met this girl who was a senior that year. She has curly hair and I wanted to act just like her. She helped me come into myself without even knowing it. I became more secure with what I wore, how I fixed my hair, how I acted and what I wanted to be. I live life better. I love my curly hair now and it makes me an individual, which I enjoy because it makes me feel like I'm my own person. My Mom always supported my hair changes when I was younger because she had curly hair when she was young and didn't know what to do with it. Most girls need to experiment with their hair and they will soon realize that their curls are their true self. I did and I am so proud of my hair. I can't even go to McDonald's or a friend’s house without getting compliments on it, and who doesn't like a good compliment!!'

In her e-mail, Kellie reminds us that being curly girls isn’t only about us, but about our younger sisters as well. In 10th grade I met an awesome senior with beautiful curly blond hair. She was upbeat, smart, and very fun to be around. Not only did I admire the confident way she wore her hair down almost every day, but I was also inspired by the way she included everyone and was kind to everyone around her. She was a constant reminder that happiness and success is not measured by how perfectly your “look” matches the trend of the week, but by your ability to respect others and yourself!

Now as I head into my junior year, I remember her as I try to be a good example for my little sister, Lilly, and the younger girls in high school. Supportive friends and my father’s comments, “Julia, I love it when you wear your hair down!” have led me to feel more confident about who I am.

It’s a great feeling to receive a compliment, but it’s an even greater feeling to sincerely give one. Boost another girl’s morale by noticing something unique about her personality or style! It’s astounding how you can make your own day brighter as well as someone else’s when you look for the good in him or her.

I hope every one enjoys their August. By the time this column is up on the site I will be in the middle of my People to People Student Ambassador trip to Italy, France and Greece. I’ll keep my eyes open and bring back stories of curly girls overseas!